The Film Tax Credit Saga

Nova Scotia is a great place to make films.
Over the last 15 years or so, many of the big players, such as

CBS and Disney, have come here to produce excellent feature films, TV series and a host of world-famous childrens animated shows, such as 'Inspector Gadget.'
They are impressed with what we offer: beautiful scenery, teams of well-trained and hard-working actors and technicians and state-of-the-art production facilities.
And, excellent food services.
One of the major rules in film production -- anywhere -- is that the catering service has to be top-notch. Here, it’s GREAT!
The Nova Scotia government had provided a $24-million financial catalyst called the Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit, which allowed the production companies to write off a good portion of their costs.
The film industry here is worth $150 million annually, and supports 2,700 full-time jobs.
Our family has an important connection here: our nephew, Chris, has been active in the local film business for several years, having worked recently on such productions as: CBS Movies of the Week, the 'Jessie Stone' series, with Tom Selleck, 'The Book of Negroes,' 'Lizzie Borden,' and even 'The Trailer Park Boys.'
But, this spring, the time of budgets and bean-counters, we saw an example of the old adage: ‘the government giveth and the government taketh away.’
The first rumours came early in March, in a speech by the finance minister at a business luncheon in Halifax, which indicated that every line in the budget was under review, including the film tax credit.
Film industry support came from national and international sources, and a clever 'The Trailer Park Boys' video went viral. It featured a crest-fallen 'Bubbles' stating that the boys -- along with his 120 cats -- might have to move away from their beloved Sunnyvale Trailer Park!
Some long-term production plans were cancelled immediately, while the film industry held its breath.
Then, on April 9, the budget axe fell, with the government proposing a hard-line, calling for layoffs within a number of departments, the closing (that same day!) of Film & Creative Industries Nova Scotia, as well as a 75% cut in the Tax Credit!
Local screen leaders were furious, claiming that the finance department hadn't done its homework, especially on the actual amount of return of the $24 million annual investment, and that the massive cuts would effectively kill film production in Nova Scotia.
There had been no consultation with the film industry, and the financial background reports were, even now, still not available.
Then, as an afterthought, the finance department agreed to meet with union representatives to explore solutions.
Stay tuned.